What is your body type

Tall, long, lean, dainty bones, hard to gain weight. What women wouldn't like to be described that way?

Tall, long, lean, dainty bones, hard to gain weight. What women wouldn’t like to be described that way?

Ever compare your body to a horse? No! Seriously, I’m not talking about “as big as a horse,” or “eats like a horse!” Chances are you haven’t but horse breeds have distinctive body types and it helps us to understand ours.

Thoroughbred horses are the Ectomorphs of the horse world.

Thoroughbred horses are the Ectomorphs of the horse world.

Thoroughbreds (it’s a breed; it isn’t a term to describe a horse with a pedigree as opposed to a mixed-breed horse) are the Ectomorphs of the horse world. They are tall, lean, with fine bones and it’s tough to put weight on them. Sort of like a supermodel!

Morgans are the Endomorphs of the horse world. Heavier bone, shorter, plump, gains weight easily

Morgans are the Endomorphs of the horse world. Heavier bone, shorter, plump, gains weight easily

Morgan Horses are the Endomorphs of the horse world. They’re shorter and rounder than their Thoroughbred cousins. They have heavier, denser bone than Thoroughbreds. Toss them a handful of grain and they’ll stay fat. Throw them two handfuls and they’ll become obese if their exercise isn’t increased to help them burn the extra calories. I think Endomorphs represent the greatest percentage of the US population.

Quarter Horses are the Mesomorphs. Similar in bone density and height to Endomorphs but much more muscled. They are the body builders of the equine world.

Quarter Horses are the Mesomorphs. Similar in bone density and height to Endomorphs but much more muscled. They are the body builders of the equine world.

Quarter Horses are the Mesomorphs. They are similar in height and bone to Morgans, but they are muscly! They have bulky, well-defined muscles. Companies that make exercise machines choose them to illustrate “what happens when you work out on a (insert any as-seen-on-TV fitness machine here!)

They are combinations of body types too. Arabian Horses are a good example of Endomorph/Mesomorphs. They have nice balance and a pleasing combination of the traits of both body types.

There are combinations of body types too. Arabian Horses are a good example of Endomorph/Mesomorphs. They have nice balance and a pleasing combination of the traits of both body types.

It’s important to understand bodies can’t change. We are born with a certain body type and no exercise, supplements, or diets will change our inherent body type. We can take care of our body to make it healthy and as a result of good care it will look good. Understanding our individual body type will save us money and frustration.

Here is an endomorph riding an Endomorph/Ectomorph!

Here is an ectomorph riding an Endomorph/Ectomorph!

Jackie Conn

About Jackie Conn

Jackie Conn is married and has four grown daughters and four grandchildren. She is a Weight Watchers success story. She's a weight loss expert with 25 years of experience guiding women and men to their weight-related goals. Her articles on weight management have been published in health, family and women's magazines. She has been a regular guest on Channel 5 WABI news, FOX network morning program Good Day Maine and 207 on WCSH.